Biomarkers in Vascular Parkinsonism

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder following Alzheimer’s disease, is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Patients present with resting tremor, muscle rigidity, postural instability and bradykinesia. Recent studies have shown that inflammatory responses are observed in the nigrostriatal regions of dopaminergic degeneration and some protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammatory progression occur. Among the inflammatory mediators, UA, which exerts antioxidant stress on neurons, has received substantial attention over the past few years.